Bella Tuscany

Rating:
Summary: It's making her money, but it's worthless
Review: After writing one beautiful book (Under the Tuscan Sun), Frances Mayes has now produced a shockingly awful and bloated chronicle of self-indulgent middle-brow drivel, redolent of boring childhood adventures, septic tanks, monogrammed linen, and 200 kinds of bushes no one cares about (except Ed). If this book were literally tripe, we could at least eat it. As it is, it sits in our lap as uselessly as a dead, hideously deformed platypus.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written and obviously heartfelt
Review: I for one am deeply, deeply impressed with Ms. Mayes' command of the language -- she is a uniquely gifted writer and I am astonished that anyone could possibly contest this: I sense the aroma of sour grapes. Ah, well. Who could not be tinged with envy at a double life that embraces two of arguably the most stunning sites in the world -- San Francisco and Tuscany. Yet I feel that she has earned her place in the sun and should not flinch at its brilliance, or balk at the misgivings of others. As a writer myself, I find her restraint admirable -- she never waxes self indulgent or claims more than her fair share of expertise -- yet she is obviously a brilliant woman with more than her wits about her -- she exudes poetry. I am not surprised that she also writes poerty, and would like to see more of it. I am further intrigued by her easy relationship with her partner Ed and would like to see her try her hand at a love story -- she has so much to offer. Please, Ms. Mayes, do not be discouraged by the critcisms here. They are like distant wind. Turn your collar up and continue on. You deserve five stars from Zeus on down.

Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable read with less recipes and more story
Review: Yes "Under a Tuscan Sun" was better, but "Bella Tuscany" was definitely enjoyable. I found myself lost in the atmosphere of the Italian landscape, longing to travel to Italy. I laughed out loud when Mayes complained about her rude house guests. I savored the details of their trip to Venice. My mouth watered when she described their meals. And as always, I love to hear about a wedding. Give it a chance. Do not fret when Mayes steps (physically or mentally) outside the Italian border. This book is not only about a place, it is about a persons life forever changing and growing. I just loved it when she didn't recognize that certain someone. READ IT AND FIND OUT!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful celebration of life.
Review: Mayes has a fabulous -- and inspiring -- way of celebrating everyday life. It makes me want to explore all the nooks and cranies of my own town, knowing that while it won't compare to Tuscany, it still might surprise me. Her recipies also add a unique perspective to her tales of life lived to its fullest. I can almost picture the ingredients lined up at a tiny corner market and wish I could hop on the plane and go there right now.

Rating:
Summary: Too much rambling
Review: I enjoyed UTTS and thought Bella Tuscany would be better or just as entertaining. There was too much digression about plants one has never heard of, ancestors and life in the deep South plus the new house in St Francis Woods and elite area of San Francisco which the first book no doubt financed. Disappointing!!!

Rating:
Summary: From Fellow Bay Area/Tuscan:Tremendous Disappointment
Review: Under The Tuscan Sun was terrific. It was refreshing and had an interesting plot for a non-fiction book: how will the acquisition and restoration of Bramasole work out? All of us who have fantasized about doing what Ms. Mayes did were intrigued. Bella Tuscany, however, is pure trash. No intrigue, no hook and outright boring. Moreover, it is poorly writtenand has virtually no educational worth. Ms. Mayes and Ed should stick to writing poetry which is not read by anyone but students. Moreover, she should leave the Cortona area alone. Citizens of the area are tired of her and the publicity she has invited. Now that she has made a few bucks, maybe she will just blend into the beautiful Tuscan environment and let the world's spotlight tarnish some other area.

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as the first, but definitely worth reading!
Review: I adored the first book, so I dropped all other reading just as soon as I saw it and brought it home. I, too, agree with those who say it isn't nearly as charming as the first. By the end, though, I was sad to finish it. I think the second half is much more enjoyable than the first. I began the second half after going to hear her read excerpts; perhaps that gave voice to the piece. I still consider it a must read, though I give it only four stars because it isn't quite as good as the first. It is still far better than most books I've ever read, and I think the ending is far better than the one in UTTS.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing
Review: I found this book to be slow-moving and in no way as enjoyable as her first book. She should have quit while she was ahead.

Rating:
Summary: A waste of time and money
Review: Ms. Mayes' smug, contrite, superior attitude is a total turn-off. If I could give this book a zero star rating I would. This book has none of the charm and warmth and character of her first book. I didn't buy this book to read about her childhood or her parents or her siblings. I didn't buy this book to read about Minnesota, her house in California, or her daughter's wedding. I didn't buy this book to read about her trashing her houseguests. I didn't buy this book to read poetry, or her opinion of art. Ms. Mayes should really be ashamed of herself.

Rating:
Summary: Too wealthy, too contented
Review: The "Bella Italia" industry cranks up again, when our smug and self-satisfied rich Americans deal with the quaint natives once again. How many times over the two books do we have to be told about the sufferings on the bank account caused by renovating a country villa in the most expensive region of Italy? Oh, yeah, for sure! If she really wants to know anything about Sicily and the mafia ("I never heard anyone say mafia in a whole week!" she exclaims breathlessly. No, they don't tend to go round talking about it, and when they do, the term mafia is not usual...at least amongst my Sicilian relatives!)....Ms Mayes..read Peter Robb's "Midnight In Sicily".